Experience and expression of emotions in relationships.

Abstract

A theoretical model of display rule negotiation in relationships was developed. It was predicted that perceived appropriateness and management of negative emotions would be lower in undeveloped relationships than developed relationships and lower than positive emotions in both relationship contexts. The study also examined whether management of dominant and submissive negative emotions differed between undeveloped and developed relationship partners. A laboratory study of 52 couples showed that neither perceived appropriateness of negative emotions nor expression management differed between daters and marrieds. Emotions were experienced to a much greater degree than partners and raters said they were expressed. It was argued that evidence for display rule negotiation may be stronger during middle stages of relationship development. Also, in public situations, meta-rule systems in long-term relationships may prescribe emotional behavior that mimics that of early daters.